Glossary

Antioxidant
Compound that protects biological systems against the potentially harmful effects of oxidation.

Beta-carotene
A carotenoid found in many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. Beta-carotene is used by the body to produce vitamin A.

Bioavailability
Refers to the availability of a nutrient to the body. Nutrients that are bioavailable are absorbed by the organism, digested and distributed to the various parts of the body where they are required to support good health.

Carotenoids
Family of widespread natural pigments found in plants and animals. There are more than 600 known natural carotenoids, all of them synthesized only in plants. Lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and beta-carotene belong to this family. Carotenoids are antioxidants. They play an important role in health maintenance by helping to reduce the impact of, and minimize the oxidative damage caused by, surplus free radicals.

Free radical
An atom or a group of atoms with an unpaired electron. Free radicals are aggressive chemicals, ready to react with cell components extracting from them the missing electron and causing them permanent damage. Free radicals occur as a part of normal cell metabolism but their numbers in the organism greatly increase when it is exposed to damaging environmental influences. Free radicals have been implicated in accelerated aging and the development ofdegenerative diseases.

GMO-free (non-GMO)
GMO, or genetically modified organism, refers to human interference with plant or animal reproduction by the artificial manipulation of DNA. Today, most health authorities and environmental scientists suspect that the cultivation and ingestion of genetically modified plants may be injurious to animal, human and planetary health and therefore recommend only GMO-free products. Lyc-O-Mato® is produced from conventionally bred, non-GMO tomatoes.

Lycopene
A carotenoid responsible for the red color of the tomato, watermelon and pink grapefruit. It has a unique long-chain molecular structure containing 13 double bonds, more than any other carotenoid. This configuration is responsible for lycopene’s special ability to protect us from harmful oxidizing agents called free radicals.

Phytoene
Carotenoid, found naturally in tomatoes. Recent findings indicate that phytoene acts in synergy with lycopene in prevention of cell damage which is a causative factor in many degenerative conditions Lyc-O-Mato® . Lyc-O-Mato®, natural tomato lycopene complex is rich in phytoene.

Phytofluene
Carotenoid, found naturally in tomatoes. Recent findings indicate that phytofluene acts in synergy with lycopene in prevention of cell damage which is a causative factor in many degenerative conditions. Lyc-O-Mato®, natural tomato lycopene complex is rich in phytofluene.

Phytonutrient
A nutrient produced in plants that has with proven health promoting properties. Vitamins and carotenoids such as lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene are phytonutrients.

Phytosterols
A family of compounds with a typical ring structure that occurs in plants. Some phytosterols, such as vitamin D, are important to our health and well-being.

Prostate
A walnut-sized gland found only in males. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urinary tract and therefore an enlarged prostate can lead to an obstruction of urinary flow. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce fluid for semen, necessary for the transport of sperm.

Standardization
Standardization is a quality assurance process that guarantees that each and every tablet or capsule contains the same quantity of an important phytonutrient. Lyc-O-Mato® contains a standardized amount of lycopene.

Synergy
The interaction of two or more nutrients so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. For example: the effect of lycopene in combination with vitamin E, is greater than the effect of lycopene alone, and greater than the effect of vitamin E alone. Lyc-O-Mato® natural tomato lycopene complex contains several phytonutrients, synergistic to lycopene, that enhance its biological activity.

Tocopherols
A group of fat-soluble molecules known as vitamin E. Tocopherols are important to our health.